Ocean dives may be what most people think of when the subject of SCUBA diving comes up, but freshwater diving offers a completely different experience that can be just as fascinating as saltwater diving. The colorful coral fish may belong to the reefs, but the chance to explore underwater caves, caverns, craters, and submerged landscapes frozen in time will instill a new appreciation of local geography. Divers of all experience levels quickly become fond of the unique vantage point they have looking up at the world from beneath the surface, and freshwater diving offers adventure for even the most land-locked SCUBA enthusiast.
Clear Lake – Oregon
Clear Lake, in Oregon, lives up to the full extent of its name. On good days, the visibility may be as much as 200 feet. Night dives at this location can be done with only the moon to light a diver’s progress. Divers can view a stand of 3,000 year old upright trees 100 meters below the surface. They are still remarkably preserved due to the cold temperatures of the lake. Like many freshwater dive site locations, Clear Lake not only offers amazing diving, but also the chance to explore underwater caves.
Lake Ouachita – Arkansas
For the diver who may be interested in a little fishing and diving at the same time, Arkansas’ Lake Ouachita is the ultimate freshwater dive site. There are many unique sights to see here, including a sunken houseboat, massive boulder fields and shell embankments that provide habitat for many small aquatic species. Divers can also see sponges and rare non-stinging jellyfish that are found in only the cleanest of freshwater lakes.
Ginnie Springs – Florida
If divers only think of saltwater diving when they think of Florida, they are missing a world of freshwater dive site opportunities. The Ginnie Springs system offers seven freshwater springs and the chance to see fossils from the Pleistocene era, including giant sloths and mastodon tusks. One of the most breathtaking views for freshwater divers is the spot where the tannic Santa Fe River mixes with the crystal clear waters of the springs.
